Check-writer



' W. R. MITTENDORF.

CHECK WRITER.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 25, 19m.

N R NT m m 9 E m 14 V m GE 1 0M 5 d4 m m a y P Y B W. R. MITTENDURF.

CHECK wmsn.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 25-1913- 1,355,996. Patented Oct. 19, 1920.

4 SHEETSSHEET 2.

A5 TORNEY W. R. MITTENDORF. CHECK WRITER.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 25, 1918. 1,355,996. Patented Oct. 19, 1920.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

% EI V TOR.

ATTORNEY W. R. MITTENDORF. CHECK WRITER. APPLICATION FILED mmzs. ms.

Patented Oct. 19, 1920.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM R. MITTEN'DORF, OF ROCHESTER. NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO TODD PRO- TECTOGRAPH COMPANY, INC., OF ROCHESTER, NEW YORK, A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

CHECK-WRITER.

Application filed March 25, 1918.

T 0 all 40 7mm it may concern:

Be it known that I, \VILLIAM R. Mrr'rnivpour, of Rochester, in the county of Monroe and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Check-\Vriters, of which I hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description, such as will enable any person skilled in the art to which the invention relates to make and use the same.

My invention relates generally to machines for printing on checks and other commercial documents a limiting value to prevent them from being raised or altered by changing their face value to make them appear to have a greater value than intended.

Some of such machines known to the applicant are equipped with rollers or pads upon which a supply of ink can be placed, the supply being renewed whenever the pads or rolls become dry. Users frequently fail to give the machines this attention and, as a result. they do not receive the maximum protection from the use of their machines, one essential of full protection being a plentiful supply of ink on the type. To overcome this others have equipped ma chines with reservoirs holding a supply of ink and having devices for transferring ink from the reservoirs to rollers or pads for applying the ink directly to the type. One diiliculty encountered with such transferring devices. however, has been to control the feeding of the ink to insure supplying no more and no less than the amount of ink required for the very best work. A broad object of this invention is to meet these various objections by providing machines of the kind last mentioned with improved ink transferring or feeding mechanism.

In this application the various features of the invention are shown embodied in a machine printing certain words in one color and other words in a different color. In describing the construction these colors will be, for convenience, referred to as black and red, although the colors used have, of course. nothing to do with the invention.

The machine has a set of ink feeding devices for each color. It is important that in such multi-color machines the feeding devices for ink of each color be actuated only a sufiicient number of times to replace Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Oct. 19, 1920.

Serial No. 224,539.

ink consumed in printing in that color, and another of the objects of the invention is to provide mechanism whereby the actuation of the ink feeding devices may be selectively controlled. In this embodiment the control is effected by manual adjustment of a type selecting device. although, as will be clear later on. a separate manipulative device for selectively controlling the ink feed might readily be employed. It will also be clear later that the invention can by obvious modifications be applied to machines printing in more than two colors.

In the present machine the devices for applying the ink to the type comprise rollers of felt or other suitable material. The ink fed fro-m the reservoir drops on small brushes constantly in contact with the rollers and arranged to apply the ink evenly to the surfaces of the rollers. A novel feature of the construction is the way in which the brushes are removably mounted in position to cooperate with the rollers.

Another novel feature of the invention is the means provided for agitating the ink in the reservoirs to prevent it from settling. said means also serving to advance the ink in the reservoirs toward the feeding devices.

In the present embodiment it requires a plurality of operations for printing in a certain color to draw a portion of ink of that color from the reservoir and feed it to the devices for applying the ink to the type.

Another object of the invention is to provide means whereby the number of operations to effect an ink feeding operation may be changed, thereby making it possible to regulate the supply of ink delivered at the point where the ink is applied to the type.

ith these and incidental objects in view, the invention consists in certain novel features of construction and combinations of parts, the essential elements of which are set forth in appended claims and a preferred form of embodiment of which is hereinafter described with reference to the drawings which accompany and form 'a part of this specification.

Of said drawings;

Figure 1 is a top view of the improved machine.

Fig. 2 is a right side view of the machine with the cover for the inking mechanism on that side removed and the casing partly broken away to expose the rest of the inking mechanism to view. In this figure others of the parts are shown in outline.

Fig. 3 is a section on the line 3-3, Fig. 2. looking in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 4 shows a part of the same mechanism as Fig. 3 and differs therefrom only in that it shows the positions occupied by some of the parts after an operation has been commenced.

Figs. 5, 6 and 7. collectively, show one of the ink roll hangers with the ink roll and ink distributing brush detached.

Fig. 8 shows some of the mechanism for operating the ink feeding devices and the adjustable stop whereby the amount of ink fed may be regulated.

Fig. 9 is a section on the line 9-9 of Fi 8.

Fig. 10 is a rear view of the machine with some of the parts shown in dotted outline.

Fig. 11 shows the same mechanism as Fig. 10. except that the parts are in the positions they occupy at one point in an operation to actuate the black ink feeding mechanism.

Fig. 1:2 shows the cam and pitman for actuating the ink feeding devices.

Fig. 13 is a section on the line 1313 Fi". 10.

ig. 11 is a section on Fig. 1.

Fig. 15 is an end view of one of the as sembled ink feeding devices and shows particularly the construction of the cam for operating the ink feeding plunger.

Fig. 16 is a section on the line 16-16 of Fig. 15 and shows the position of the inking plunger when a supply of ink has been forced toward the ink roll.

Fig. 17 is a section on the line 17-17, Fig. 20. and shows practically the same mechanism as Fig. 16. except that the ink feeding plunger is in the position it occupies when it has drawn a supply of ink from the ink reservoir.

Figs. 18 and 19 are details to illustrate respectively the positions occupied by the ink feeding plunger when it has been operated to eject toward the ink roll the ink previously drawn from the ink reservoir and the position at which the ink feeding plunger is operated to draw ink from the 111k reservoir.

V Fig. 20 is a detail of some of the mechanism for actuating the ink plunger carryin mechanism.

Fig. 21 is a section on the line 21-21, Fig. 14. looking in the direction of the arrows.

The improvements are shown applied to a machine of the kind fully illustrated and described in Fnited States Letters the line 14-14,

, above mentioned,

Patent 1,138,330, issu May 4, 1915, to L. M. Todd and C. G. iefel. Only those parts of the patented machine having directly to do with the improvement are shown and described herein, however, and reference should be had to the patent if more complete information as to the construction and operation of the illustrative machine is desired.

A machine of the kind just mentioned has a type carrier which ma be moved from one position to another al ong a shaft to determlne which one of a number of lines of type is to be printed from. The shaft and type carrier may then be rotated to carry the selected type against a platen. The first or selecting' movement of the type carrier is accomplished b means of a manipulative device adjusta le with reference to a scale.

In order to make it difficult to alter words or characters so printed, the type and platen are so constructed. as to disrupt the fibers of the paper printed upon, thereby making it possible for the ink to thoroughly penetrate the paper and making erasure diflicult. In addition to this, certain of the words and characters are printed in distinctive colors, thereby making it additionally diflicult to alter printed amounts particularly if the alteration is attempted by printing a new amount over the old one. The machine in the drawings is constructed to print in two colors, the color printed at an operation being determined by the position to which the manipulative device,

is adjusted.

Attached to the machine casing is a second casing containing two tubular compartments forming containers or reservoirs to hold the two kinds of ink. At one end of each of these reservoirs is a rotating member carrying a plunger 0 erated in one direction by a cam and in t e other b a spring. hen the rotating member reaches a certain osition, the cam releases the. plunger, w ereupon the spring moves the plunger in one direction and sucks a. little of the ink from the reservoir through an opening provided for that purpose. F urther rotation of the rotating member will carry the plunger away from the o ning and will cause the cam to move the ungcr in the opposite direction against the tension of the spring and force the ink just drawn from the reservoir into a compartment having a conduit or tube leading to rolls for applying the ink to the type. It is obvious that both plungers for drawing ink from the reservoirs should not operate at the same time because the demand for ink of one color might be greatly in excess of the demand for ink of the other color. In the present embodiment, the mechanism whereby actuation of either of the ink feeding plungers is effected, may be disabled. Shifting the type selecting manipulative device to print certain words in one color will automatically disable the plunger operating mechanism for the other color.

In the present embodiment, the construction is such that the member carrying the ink feeding plunger is only given one rotation by a number of operations to print in that particular color. This is effected by a clutch mechanism operating in one direction only to impart a step of rotating movement to the member carrying the ink feeding plunger. In the opposite direction the movement of the clutch is idle. Mechanism is provided for limiting the extent of this return or idle movement, thereby determining the length of the step of movement given to the rotating member at each printmg operation. This affords a means for regulating the amount of ink supplied to the device for directly applying the ink to the type.

Describing the machine in detail and with reference to the drawings, part of the mechanism is inclosed in a base 1 and the rest in a top 2, which is hinged at 4 to the base. Latches (not shown) cooperate with the hinges 4 when the top is closed to hold the hinged top against movement relative to the base during printing operations. The top of the base 1 is suitably constructed to serve as a printing bed or table for the work and the hinged top is cut away as shown at 5, Fig. 2, to provide a slot through which the work can pass on its wa through the ma chine. The hinged top is provided with a shield 6 inclosing the mechanism contained in the hinged top, this shield being provided with an opening through which the type, referred to more particularl later on, can cooperate with a platen 7. .he platen 7 is carried in a swinging frame or bracket 8, which'is operated to move the platen 7 toward and away from the t e carrier as described in detail in the odd and Tiefel patent previously mentioned.

The type 11 to be printed from are in circumferential rows on the periphery of a plate 12 attached to the face of an element comprising portions 13 surrounding a shaft 14 and connected together by a portion 15 having its outer face concentric to the shaft. The portion 15 is rovided with a rib 16 engaging a longitu inal slot in the shaft 14 whereby the type carrier may be shifted lengthwise of the shaft while rotation of the shaft relative to the type carrier is prevented.

Loose on the shaft 14 and adjacent to the ends 13 of the t pe carrier, are the arms of a yoke 17, provi ed with a handle 18, whereby the yoke 17 and the type carrier therein may be shifted to different positions along the shaft 14. This shifting movement is to brin any line of type 11 opposite the platen a pointer 19 and scale 20 being provided to guide the operator. After the desired line of type is so positioned, the shaft 14 is given a complete rotation, thereby carryin the positioned line of type past the platen and cooperating with the platen to print a word or other matter represented by the type.

he connections for rotating the shaft 14 comprise a short shaft 21 journaled in a sleeve 22 integral with the hinged top 2 of the casing. Attached to the outer end of the shaft 21 is a handle 23. Secured to the inner end of the shaft 21 is a pinion 24 meshing with a pinion 25 rigid with the shaft 14, the construction being such that for each turn of the handle 23 the shaft 14 will make a complete rotation.

As so far described, it is clear that in order to operate the machine to write an amount the handle 18 is adjusted to different positions with reference to the scale 20 and at each position the operating handle 23 is turned, thereby causing the shaft 14 to rotate and print the word selected. This adjustment of the handle 18 not only determines the words to be rinted, but it also determines the color of the printing and controls the mechanism for automatically feeding ink from supply reservoirs to ink rolls for applying the ink to the type.

The ink rolls are designated by the numerals 27 and 28 (Figs. 3 and 4), the former being the one for applying the black ink and the latter for applying red ink to the type. The ink rolls are carried by short sleeves 31 (Fig. 7) loosely mounted on studs 32 carried by arms 33 and 34 of ink roll hangers attached respectively to shafts 35 and 36. These shafts are journaled at one end in lugs 37 of brackets 38 fastened to the top of the casing. At their other end the shafts are journaled in and project beyond the casing.

The ink roll hangers are each formed as at 41, (Figs. 2 and 5) to form a yoke, the arm 42 of which cooperates with the arm 33 to support a rod 43. On each rod 43 is mounted a torsion s ring 44, one end of which rests against t e cross portion 41 of the yoke and the other end of which is formed to engage the upper edge of a small arm 45 pivoted on the rod 43. Attached to the arm 45 is a small sleeve 46 .to receive a rod 47 carrying a brush 48. The sleeve is open at one side to clear the brush when it is being inserted. The brush 48 cooperates with its roll 27 or 28 to distribute on the face of the roll any ink supplied to the brush. The manner in which the ink is supplied will be described in detail later on.

Formed substantially at a right angle to the arm 33 of each type roll hanger is an ear 51. Rotatably mounted on the ear 51 of the hanger for the black ink is a roll 52, while the hanger for the red ink roll is provided with a similar roll 53. These rolls cooperate respectivelywith portions 54 and 55 (Fig. 1) of a controlling plate 56 (see also Figs. 3 and 4) attached to the underside of the longitudinal bar of the yoke 17. The function performed by the controlling plate and the manner in which it affects the inking is hereinafter explained.

astened to the rear ends of the shafts 35 and 36 are arms 57 and 58. A spring 59 tends at all times to draw the lower ends of the arms 57 and 58 together. Attached respectively to the sides of the arms 57 and 58 are rollers 61 and 62, the former coiiperating with the periphery of a cam 63 and the latter with the periphery of a cam 64. These cams are rigid on the shaft 14 and are so set with reference thereto that when the operating handle 23 is at the normal position in which it is shown in Fig. 2 the cams will hold the arms 57 and 58 apart as shown in Fig. 10. When the shaft 14 begins to turn, however, the cams 63 and 64 are carried out of contact with the rollers 61 and 62 so that, if nothing prevented it, the spring 59 would swing the lower ends of both arms toward the shaft 14.

The controlling plate 56, however, will coiiperate with either the roller 52 or the roller 53 to limit movement of either the shaft 35 or shaft 36. When the portion 55 (Fig. 1) of the controlling plate is in en gagement with the roller 53, the movement of the arm 58 will be limited when the shaft 14 carries the cams 63 and 64 out of contact with the rollers 61 and 62, thereby holding the red ink roller 28 in the position shown in Fig. 4 and the associated arm 58 in the position shown in Fig. 12. The cut away portion 71 of the controlling plate 56 will at this time be opposite the roller 52 so that when the cams 63 and 64 pass out of engagement with the rollers 61 and 62, the spring 59 will swing the arm 57, associated with the black ink mechanism, to the position shown in Fig. 11. At the same time, the hanger for the black ink roll 27 will be swung to carry the black ink roller to the position shown in Fig. 4. Then when the type carrier 12 is rotated, the line of ty e 11 rinted will come in contact with the lack ink roll 27 and be supplied with ink.

If the type carrier has been shifted so as to bring the portion 54 (Fig. 1) of the controlling plate opposite the roller 52 (Figs. 3 and 4) associated with the black ink mechanism. the cut away portion 72 of the controlling plate will have been brought opposite the roll 53 for the red ink mechanism. Then when the shaft 14 is rotated and the cams 63 and 64 carried far enough to release the arms 57 and 58, the spring 59 will swing the arm 58 toward the shaft 14, thereby rocking the shaft 36 and swinging the red ink roller 28 in osition to be engaged by the type 11. It ollows, of course, that the P02121011 54 of the controlling plate 56 will prevent movement of the black ink mechanism thereby holding the black ink roller 28 in substantially the position in which it is shown in Fig. 3, that is, out of the path of the type.

In order to give access to the inking rolls and brushes the sides of the hinged top 2 are cut away to form openings 721. For each opening 721 there is provided a door or cover 73 hinged at 74 to the casing and provided with latches (not shown) for holding them in closing position.

As previously explained, the brushes 48 are carried by rods 47 insertible in the small open sided sleeves 46 fastened to the spring tensioned arms 45. The rods 47 are provided with knurled ends whereby they may readily be withdrawn from the sleeves. The ink rolls 27 and 28 may be of any material suitable for the purpose and they are, as before stated, carried by sleeves 31 rotatably mounted on studs 32. The studs are reduced as shown at 74 (Fig. 5). In these reduced portions are holes (not shown) engaged by inwardly turned ends of a small loop 76 made of spring wire and no wider than the inside diameters of the sleeves 31. When it is desired to put in or remove an ink roll, the loop is swung to the position shown in Fig. 5, being retained in that position by coiiperation of the sides of the loop with notches 77 in the enlargement 7 8 of the reduced portion of the stud 32. When the ink roll is in position, the loop 76 is pushed to the position shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the sides of the loop then cotiperating with the reduced portion 75 to retain the loop in such position. that is. at right angles to the axis of the stud 62 and across the end of the ink roll sleeve 31.

The ink is supplied to the ink rolls 27 and 28 through conduits or tubes 81 and 82 terminating just above the rolls and formed as shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 4. The upper ends of the tubes extend axially through screws 84 (Fig. 21) in bosses 85 on a casing 86 suitably attached to the top of the machine. After passing through the screws 84 the tubes 81 and 82 enter tubular openingsBS in cylindrical shells 89 mounted in tubular chambers 90 in the enlarged portions 91 of the casing 86. Between the upper ends of the screws 84 and the shells 89 are gaskets 92 surrounding the tubes 81 and 82. These gaskets may be of any suitable material and are compressed by the screws 84 to prevent leakage around the tubes.

The openings 88 in which the tubes 81 and 82 are inserted extend into passages 94 formed by drilling through the vertical inside faces of the shells 89 a number of circular holes with their circumferences intersecting. This passage or chamber 94 is to receive and hold ink drawn from its supply reservoir and ejected into it by movement of an ink feeding plunger designated by the numeral 95 in Figs. 16 to 21 inclusive. The plunger 95 is mounted for longitudinal movement only in a cylindrical element 96 on a rotatable shaft 97. The plunger 95 is enlarged at one end to provide a head (306perating with a spring 101 surrounding the plunger and inclosed in a hole corresponding in size to the head of the plunger. This hole is drilled in the cylindrical element 96 parallel to the shaft 97. A gasket 100 surrounding the plunger 95 is held by the spring 101 and a washer 102 in position to prevent leakage around the plunger. The end of the element 96 is also drilled out to accommodate a compression spring 103, one end of the spring resting against a washer 104 and the other against a cam disk 105 closing the end of the chamber in which the element 96 is mounted.

As shown in Figs. 16 and 17, the element 96 is slotted across one end as at 107 to engage the ends of a pin or rod 108 extendin transversely of the shaft 97. The slots 10 and the pin or rod 108 coiiperate to form a driving connection between the shaft 97 and the element 96 whereby, when the shaft 97 is turned, its movement will be transmitted to the element. This form of connection between the shaft'and element also permits movement of the element endwise along the shaft, the purpose of this being to permit the spring 103 to hold the end 111 of the 7 element 96 in close engagement with the inner flat face of the shell. This insures a close fit to prevent the ink from seeping between the surfaces.

The element 96 has a cut 112 (Fig. 20) in its periphery and in this cut is seated a spring pressed roller 113 coacting with the inner surface of the shell 89 in such a way that reverse rotation of the element 96 is revented.

he end of the shaft 97 and of the compression sprin 103 both rest against the inner face of he cam plate 105 previously mentioned. This cam late has formed in it a snail cam 115 against which the head of the plunger 95 rests. The construction of the cam and the manner in which it cooperates with the plunger 95 will be de-. scribed in detail later on.

The ends of the chambers 90 are closed by threaded plugs 116, and gaskets 117 are used to prevent oil or ink from seeping from the arts.

The she ls 89 are cut out as at 121 (Figs. 16 to 21 inclusive) to form passa es into the barrels 122 (Fig. 14) of the in reservoirs. These reservoirs are closed at the other end by threaded plugs 123 surrounding the shafts 97, and gaskets 124 of cork or other material prevent the ink from leak ing out. Screw caps 125 and 126 afl'ord access respectively to the black and red ink barrels to permit replenishing the supply of ink. Vents 127 in the caps allow passage of theair intothe barrels as ink is withdrawn and also allow the air to accommodate itself to any expansion of the ink due to changes in temperature.

F astened to the shaft 97 is a wire helix 128 serving to agitate the ink as the shaft 97 is turned and advance the ink toward the plun er 95.

In or er to simplify the construction, the shafts 97 are rotated in opposite directions and it is necessary therefore to have the cams 115 formed in rights and lefts. The configuration of the cams 115 is such, however, that when the shafts 97 and elements 96 are turned to bring the reduced ends of the plungers 95 opposite the openings 121 through the vertical faces of the shells 89, the p ungers will ride down the short inclined surfaces 131 of the cams 115, this movement being effected by the springs 101. After a plunger has cleared the portion 131 of the cam, it will be in the position shown in Fig. 17 and.will have drawn into the plunger hole a portion of the ink contained 1n the opening 121. After it has received the ink, the head of the plunger rides along a fiat portion of the cam until it comes in line with the first one of the borings 94 forming the ink receiving chamber, before mentioned. As the rotation of the shaft 97 is continued, the head of the plunger 95 rides up the long inclined portion 132 of the cam 115 until it reaches the point indicated b the numeral 133. This will cause the p unger 95 to move gradually back to the position in which it is shown in Fig. 16, causing the ink to be ejected into the chamber 94 and forcing a corresponding quantity of ink from the ends of the tubes 81 and 82 to the ink rolls. a

The mechanism for actuating the shafts 97 comprises a itman 135 having an opening 186 surrounding the shaft 14 and guided by a screw 137 co6perating with the open slot 138 in the upper end of the pitman. At the upper end of the opening136 is a lug 139 resting upon the periphery of an eccentric 140 rigid with the shaft 14. The pitman 135 also carries an anti-friction roller 141 engaging the periphery of the eccentric 140. It is clear that as the shaft 14 is turned away from the normal position in which it is shown in Fig. 10, the pitman 135 will first be thrust downward and then returned to its starting point. This movement of the pitman may be transmitted to either of the shafts 97 depending upon the position to which the type selecting handle 18 was adjusbed at the beginning of the operation,

The mechanism for effecting this selective actuation of the shafts comprises two links 112 and 113. the former for the black ink mechanism and the latter for the red. These links are provided with shoulders 111 to engage lugs 115 formed at right angles to the main portion of the pitman The links 112 and 113 haveopenings 116 and the lower ends of the arms 57 and 58 are bent at right angles to their arms to project into the openings 116. The openings are wider than the ends of the arms so that some movement of the arms relative to the links' is permitted.

The links 112 and 113 are pivoted at their upper ends to disks 151 (Figs. 8 and 9). loose on the shafts 9T. Rigid with each disk 151 is a smaller disk 152 having a flat face 153 on its periphery engaging a roller 151. The roller 151 also engages the internal face 155 of an element 156 fastened to the shaft 97. A flat spring 157 is seated in a cut in the disk 152 and has its free end formed to engage the roller 151 in such a way as to hold the roller in contact with the faces 153 and 155. It is clear that any movement in the direction of the arrow 1.58 of the disks 151 and 152 shown in the left hand part of Fig. 8 will cause the disk 15; to act through the roller 151 to turn the element 156 and shaft 97.

The links 112 and 113 are connected together by a spring 162 which at all times tends to swing the lower ends of the links toward the central shaft 11. The ends of the links are. however. both normally held in the position shown in Fig. 10 by the ends 114' of the arms 57 and 58. hen the shaft 11 turns far enough to carry the cams 63 and 61 out of engagement with the rollers (31 and 62 on the arms. the spring 162 is released and will immediately swing one of the links toward the shaft 11 far enough to carry its shoulder 111 in the path of the corresponding lug 115 on the pitman 135. It should be recalled that movement of the arms 57 and 58 is controlled by the controlling plate 56. Then when the pitman is given its downward thrust by the eccentric 110. the connected link 112 or 113 will be drawn along and actuate its shaft 91'. It is apparent. therefore. that the controlling plate 55 determines not only'which of the ink rolls 2? or 23 is to be swung into position to engage the tvpe. but it also determines which of the ink feed actuating links is to be connected to the operating pitman 135. 'hen the shaft 11 is returned to the position where the cams 63 and 61 push the arms 57 and 58 apart. the ends 117 of the arms will return the lower ends of the links 112 and 113 to the position shown in Fig. 10.

'hen the operated link has completed its downward movement and consequent rotation of its shaft 97. it follows the pitman 135 back to its original starting point, this movement being completed before the cams 6 and 61 disengage the links from the shoulders 115 on the pitman. The return movement of the links is accomplished by a spring 163 stretched between studs 161 fastened in the disks 151. 'hen one of the disks is actuated by the pitman 135. the tension of the spring 163 is increased and as soon as the pitman starts its return to original position. the spring 163 will rotate the disk back to its starting point. During this movement of the disk. the roller 151 will simply move idly along the inner face 135 of the element 156 so that the shaft will not be turned. Any tendency that the shaft may have to turn will be counteracted by the roll 113 (Figs. 16. 17 and 20) previously referred to.

In order to limit the return movement of the disks 151 under the influence of the spring 163 there is provided a stop in the form of a spring plate 165 having its ends 1151' formed so as to extend into the path of the studs 161. The plate 166 is held in position by screws 16? passing through openings in the plate and into the top of the casing :2. l y driving the screws up or down. the ends of the plates may be caused to assume different positions, thereby cooperating with the studs 161 to change the extent of movement of the disks 151. For example. if either of the screws 167 are driven downward from the positions in which they are shown in Fig. T. the corresponding end 165 of the spring plate will be moved outward. thereby shortening the return movements of the disks 151. This. of course. will cause the links 112 or 113 to stop short of the position in which they are shown in Fig. 10 so as to give more of a clearance between the shoulders 111 on the links and the lugs 115 on the pitman 135. As a result. the pitman 135 will move idly a short distance before the link is actuated and the distance the shaft 97 will be turned at each operation of the pitman will be correspondingly decreased.

In describing the construction of the improved mechanism. it has been necessary incidentally to describe the operation of the various parts and it is thought. therefore, that the usual summary may be omitted.

'hile the form of mechanism herein shown and described is admirably adapted to fulfil the objects primarily stated. it is to be understood that it is not the intention to confine the invention to the one form of embodiment herein shown and described as it is susceptible of embodiment in various forms. all of which come within the scope of the claims which follow.

.What I claim is:

1. In a machine of the class described. the combination with printing type. of a III.

device for applying ink to the type, an ink supply reservoir comprising an element having an opening into the supply reservoir and a separate chamber communicating with the ink applying device, a plunger, a movable member supporting the plunger, devices for moving the member to carry the plunger successively into register with the opening and the chamber, and means for moving the plunger in one direction when in register with the Opening and in the other direction when in register with the chamber.

2. In a machine of the class described, the combination with printing type, of a device for applying ink to the type, an ink supply reservoir comprising an element having an opening into the reservoir andan opening communicating with the ink applying device, a plunger, a rotary member carrylng the plunger, devices for rotating the member to carry the plunger successively into register with the two openings and means for moving the plunger in. one direction when in register with one opening and in the other direction when in register with the other opening.

3. In a machine of the class described, the combination With a type carrier provided with lines of type, of devices for applying inks of different colors to the ty e lines, an ink supply reservoir for each e- Vice, each reservoir comprising an element having an opening into the reservoir and a separate chamber communicating with the associated ink applying device, a rotary member for each reservoir, a reciprocatory plunger in each member, devices for seectively rotating the members and means associated with each member whereby rotation of the member will move its plunger in one direction when in register with the opening and in the other direction when in register with the chamber.

4. In a machine of the class described,

the combination with a type carrier provided with type to print in different colors, of an ink applying device for each color, an ink reservoir for each applying device, said reservoir comprising a member having an opening into the reservoir and a chamber communicating with the ink applying device, a rotary member for each reservoir, a plunger mounted in said member, devices for selectively rotating the members as an incident to printing in the corresponding colors to carryl the plunger successively into register wit the opening and the chamber and means for moving the plunger in one direction when in register with theopening and in the other direction when in register with the chamber.

5. In a machine of the class described, the combination with printing 'type, of a platen, means for efiecting relative movement of the type and platen t efiect printing, a device for applying in to the faces of the type, an ink reservoir, and means requiring a plurality of operations of the printing couple to feed a supply of ink from the reservoir to the ink applying device. A

6. In a machine of the class described, the combination with printing type, of a platen, means for operating the platen to effect printing, a device for applying ink to the faces of the type, an ink reservoir, and means requiring a plurality of operations of the platen to transfer ink from the reservoir to the ink applying device.

7. In a machine of the class described, the combination with printing type, of a device for applying ink to the type, an ink supply reservoir, a conduit to conduct ink to the ink applying device, an element having an opening into the supply reservoir and a chamber leading to the conduit, a movable member a plunger mounted in the member, said member being movable to carry the plunger successively into register with the opening and the chamber, and means for moving the plunger in one direction when opposite the opening and in the other direction when opposite the chamber.

8. In a machine of the class described, the combination with printing type, of a device for applying ink to the type, an ink supply reservoir having one wall provided with an opening into the reservoir and a separate opening communicating with the ink applying device, a rotating member adjacent said wall, a plunger mounted in the member and carried successively into register with the two openings by the member, and means for moving the plunger in one direction when in register with the first opening and in the opposite direction when opposite the second opening.

9. In a machine of the class described, the combination with printing type, of a device for applying ink to the type, an ink supply reservoir having an element forming one wall of the reservoir and provided with one opening into the reservoir and a separate opening communicatin with the ink supplying device, a rotatable member adjacent said element, a lunger mounted in the member and carried successively into register with the two 0 enings by the member,

means for moving t e plunger in one direction when in register with the first opening and in the opposite direction when in register with the other opening, and means for rotating the plunger carrying member with a step by step movement.

- 10. In a machine of the class described, the combination with printing type, of a platen, means for effecting relative movement of the tyipe and platen to effect printing, a device or applying ink to the type,

an ink supply reservoir having one wall provided with an opening into the reservoir and a separate opening communicating with the ink applying device, a rotatable member adjacent said wall. a plunger mounted in the member and carried successively into register with the two openings by the member. a cam and spring for moving the plunger in one direction when opposite one opening and in the opposite direction when opposite the other opening. and connections whereby relative printin movement of the type and platen will e ect a step-by-step rotation of the member.

11. In a machine of the class described, the combination with a type inking roller and means for depositing ink thereon, of

an open sided sleeve adjacent the roller. and

a rod insertible into said sleeve and carrying a brush for distributing ink on the face of the roller.

12. In a machine of the class described, the combination with an ink reservoir. of a. rotatable shaft therein. and means carried by the shaft for stirring the ink and feeding it in a direction parallel to the shaft.

13. In a machine of the class described. the combination with an ink reservoir. of a rotatable shaft therein. and a helix surrounding the shaft. said helix having its inside diameter greater than the diameter of the shaft and being fastened at its ends to said shaft.

11. In a machine of the class described. the combination with an ink reservoir. of a device for drawing ink therefrom. a rotatable shaft in the reservoir. and a wire helix surrounding the shaft and attached thereto to agitate the ink and advance it toward the aforesaid device.

15. In a machine of the class described. the combination with printing type. of a plurality of ink reservoirs. each containing ink of a different color. a set of devices for each reservoir for-withdrawing ink therefrom and feeding it toward the type. manipulative means for selecting the feeding device to be effective at an operation. and means for operating the selected device.

16. In a machine of the class described. the combination with a plurality of ink reservoirs. of printing type and a platen. a main operating device and connections for effecting relative movementof the type and platen to print. a set of devices for each reservoir for drawing ink from the reservoir and feeding it toward the type, and means for selectively coupling said feeding devices to the main operating mechanism.

17. In a machine of the class described, the combination with printing type, of a platen. a driving mechanism and connections for effecting relative movement of the type and platen to print, a plurality of ink reservoirs, a set of devices for each reservoir for drawing ink therefrom and feeding it toward the type, manipulative means,

and devices controlled by the manipulative means for selectively connecting the feeding devices to the operating mechanism.

18. In a machine of the class described, the combination with printing type, of a. platen, a driving shaft and connections for effecting relative movement of the typeand platen to print, a plurality of ink reservoirs, a set of devices for each reservoir for drawing ink from the reservoir and feeding it toward the type, and means for selectively establishing an operating connection between the driving shaft and the ink feeding devices.

19. In a machine of the class described, the combination with a carrier having circumferential lines of type thereon, of a platen, means for effecting relative movement between the type carrier and platen to establish printing relation between the platen and any desired line of type, a plurality of ink feeding devices, an ink reservoir for each feeding device, means whereby the selecting relative movement of the type and platen will determine the ink feeding device to be operated, and means for operating the selected device as an incident to printing. a

20. In a machine of the class described, the combination with a driving shaft, of an eccentric on said shaft, a pitman reciprocated by the eccentric when the driving shaft is turned. a plurality of sets of ink feeding devices. a manipulative device, and means controlled by the manipulative device for selectively connecting the ink feeding devices to the pitman.

21. In a machine of the class described, the combination with a driving shaft having an invariable extent of movement. of a plurality of sets of ink feeding devices, each to feed ink of a different color, an element given an invariable extent of movement at each full movement of the a driving shaft,;, :1 manipulative device, and means controlled by said manipulative device for selectively connecting the ink feeding de' vices to the invariably moved element.

22. In a machine of the class described, the combination with an invariably moved driving shaft. of a plurality of sets of ink feeding devices, each feeding ink of a different color, a cam on the driving shaft. :1 manipulative device, and means controlled by the manipulative device for rendering the cam effective to operate selectively the aforesaid sets of feeding devices.

23. In a machine of the class described, the combination with a driving shaft having an invariable extent of movement, of a plurality of sets of ink feeding devices, each to feed ink of a different color, a manipulative device, and means controlled by the manipulative device for selectively connecting the sets of ink feeding devices to the drivin shaft.

24. 11's machine of the class described, the combination with a ty inking roller and means for depositing in thereon, of an open sided sleeve adjacent theroller, 2. rod insertible into said sleeve and carrying a brush at right anglesto the rod, said brush extending through the open side of the sleeve and into contact with the roller to distribute ink on the face of the roller. 7

25. In a machine of the class described, the combination with a type carrier, of a platen, manipulative means for adjusting the type carrier to position any desired type thereon opposite the platen, a plurality of ink reservoirs, a device associated with each reservoir for applying ink to the type, a reciprocating member for each reservoir for withdrawing ink therefrom, an invariably moved main operating shaft, and means controlled by the aforesaid manipulative device for selectively reciprocating the reciprocating members'by movement of the main operatingshaft.

26. In a machine of the class described, the combination with a laten of a type carrier adjustable to osition an desired type thereon opposite t e platen, evices for applying; inks of difi'erent colors to the ty e, an in reservoir for each ink applying vice, means for pumping ink om each reservoir and feeding It to the corresponding applying device and a device controlled by the type selecting means for actuating the corresponding pumping device when ink of any color is applied to the type.

27. In a machine of the class described, the combination with a type carrier, of a. platen, means for adjusting the type carrier to position difierent type opposite the platen, devices for applying inks of different colors to the type, an ink reservoir for each color, a device for pumping ink from each reservoir and feeding it to the corresponding applying device, a main operating shaft and devices controlled by the aforesaid type selecting means for selectively connecting and disconnecting the pumping devices and the main operating shaft.

WILLIAM R. MITTENDORF.

It is hereby certified that in Letters Patent No. 1,355,996, granted Ootober 19,

1920, upon the application of William R. Mittendorf, of Rochester, New,York, for

an improvement in "Check-Writers, an error appears in the printed specification requiriiig correction as follows: Page 7, lines 115-116, oluirn 9, for the word "supplying" read applying; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with this correction therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office. I I

signed and sea-led this 30th day of November, A. 1)., 1920.

L. B. MANN,

Acting C'omrriiaaiomr of PM. 

